On Wednesday, 24th July morning a rather unfortunate accident happened in Super Mart 1. Ombir, the service manager of SBI who opens the ATM every morning, climbed the stairs of the ATM and proceeded, as per his normal morning routine. In the meanwhile, Awadesh Kumar, the guard, who was to commence his day shift, arrived. He was drenched in rain and there was waterlogging outside, near the stairs, leading up to the ATM. While Ombir, who had preceded him had climbed the fateful stairs, wearing his shoes, Awadesh removed his shoes and with bare wet feet stepped onto the iron staircase. The staircase was in contact with a live wire, due to waterlogging and the fact that he was drenched, proved to be fatal. He was employed by a private company, which claims they will take care of the family, however, a precious life has been lost, due to negligence. Munna the deceased’s brother, with whom he was staying, claims that Awadesh had alerted the bank authorities about the current leaking from some wire to the staircase, but no action has been taken by the authorities. On Wednesday, whole day no bank activity could take place, power was disconnected as the current was flowing in the staircase. This is the same staircase the customers use to use the ATM.
What happened was indeed very sad, but far worse is the fact, it could have been averted, if bank authorities were more attentive. With rains and waterlogging around, the alarming issue is, this could happen again, anywhere. Just last month a daily wage worker died of electrocution in DLF 3. We can cry hoarse and blame negligence by the authorities, but that will never change unless some officials are charged with criminal negligence. Till then, all we can do is be more vigilant in spaces around us and ensure we not only point out but get the concerned, to rectify anything which forebodes trouble.
